Head Gasket Installation

[Henry/Kokomo]

After much "fussing" and a lot of good advice from 'Barners, I've finally resolved the fitment problems with the heads on an 8ba I'm building. Part of the resolution of problems involved installing some .030 head shims. The manufacturer of the shims (Silver Seal) specified that the shims are to be installed between the block and the head gasket and that sealer must be used on the surface of the shim next to the block. So far, so good. Now the question is whether to use sealer on the head gasket or not? One or both sides? I don't want leaks but it would be nice to be able to remove a head without destroying the gasket and perhaps the shim as well. Looking for opinions and experience here. What say ye, gents???

[52merc]

what type of gasket are you using

[Ol' Ron]

why the shim??

[Henry/Kokomo]

52merc - I'm using "Best" brand big-bore composition type head gaskets. Also, block has been trued (decked) and heads have been trued as well.

[Henry/Kokomo]

Ol'Ron - Heads had been milled excessively prior to my getting them. That plus the dome configuration on Ross pistons caused significant interference. I now have between .047 and ,055" clearance between the pistons and the head in the dome area.

[Henry/Kokomo]

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So..guys... any advice or suggestions or observations from experience?? Thanks in advance.

[36tbird]

My self, I'd coat the gasket, both sides.

[Ronnie]

Originally Posted by Henry/Kokomo

After much "fussing" and a lot of good advice from 'Barners, I've finally resolved the fitment problems with the heads on an 8ba I'm building. Part of the resolution of problems involved installing some .030 head shims. The manufacturer of the shims (Silver Seal) specified that the shims are to be installed between the block and the head gasket and that sealer must be used on the surface of the shim next to the block. So far, so good. Now the question is whether to use sealer on the head gasket or not? One or both sides? I don't want leaks but it would be nice to be able to remove a head without destroying the gasket and perhaps the shim as well. Looking for opinions and experience here. What say ye, gents???

Go to silver seal web site.Buy some hylomar product and use it for your configuration.

R

[flatjack9]

I do not use sealer on head gaskets. No problems encountered.

[s nichols]

use COPPER COAT

[Pinewood]

Henry what did you end up doing? I'm in the same situation with my heads.

[41Fordor]

Best gasket website calls for Copper Coat on Graph-Tite composition gaskets

http://www.bestgasket.com/about_our_products.asp

As far as the gasket is concerned, it is sealing to the block surface or the shim same way

[Henry/Kokomo]

Pinewood - I used the Hylomar as suggested by Ronnie and Silver Seal. Easy to use and very satisfactory so far. I may feel differently when the engine has to come apart but it doesn't leak now. Be sure to check your piston-to-head clearance very carefully. I like the aluminum foil ball method but got a better "picture" of the situation using clay. Good luck.

[Pinewood]

Thanks guys. After further investigation this weekend it looks like my issue is the height of my domed pistons in relation to my Edmunds heads. Its measuring out like I can take care of it with a thick enough gasket.

[hotcoupe]

look at Cometic gaskets, expensive, but they don`t leak.

[brien]

I always replace head gaskets when removing the head. They cost so little compared to the time and labor of removing the head and doing it again should the old one not seal correctly. I would use sealer on both sides also

[Pete/Ct.]

I spray copper gaskets with silver paint. Never any problems. Pete/Ct

[fortyfords]

As Pete/ct says, silver spray has always worked for me also.

[jimTN]

Spray gaskets, heads and block with sealer. I never use composition gaskets, prefer copper or steel.